Wrapping Up Fox Lake

Continuing our Journey to the FRVA Rally in Gillette Wyoming 

Our Journey yesterday (June 26), took us on US 12 to I-90 and then onto I-94, where we landed at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. 

Our travel was easy and uneventful which is what we like. We have been ramping up our speed to 65Mph, little higher then normal. This is our house and has valuable items inside like Dakota and Tilly. One accident is all it takes. I know many of our friends think it is safe to travel at 70 or even at 75 Mph. 

Our arrival was met with warm and friendship from the Fair Grounds, and we setup with full hookups if needed.

Wrapping Up Our Stay at Fox Lake

Wednesday marked our final day together as a family at the Lake House. The morning began early as Brandon headed off to football practice before making his way to his mother’s place, catching a flight out to the East Coast.

The rest of the house was a flurry of activity. Dana and Tom tackled house cleaning and packing. Meanwhile, the younger crew—Ryan, Aubrie, and Gavin—kept themselves busy with games (though we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt that they may have done a bit of packing too).

Susan stayed inside helping where she could, and I did my part by staying out of the way. Later, she and I teamed up to handle the outdoor cleanup and get things ready for our early departure on Thursday.

We truly enjoyed our time here at the Lake House, and we’re especially grateful for the warm hospitality from Dana and Tom. Their kindness and generosity made our visit all the more special. Especially the 50amp installation. 

Sadly our case of wine did not arrive in time for us, but Dana and Tome will make good use of it. (Actually we planned it this way).

Capt. Steve a 1953 Sears and Roebuck House Kit, the first 2 photos.

Grandpa and Ryan discussing play on Swoop

Susan wrapping up the paint removal on the staircase

The only problem? Lola! Yes Lola, would take over Dakota's bed and Dakota be left without.

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv, AkA Gus Da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

What’s in a Name?

 If you’ve been following our blog lately, you might have picked up on a little game we've been playing—“What’s in a Name?”

It’s simple, really. I drop clues, highlight a few choice words, and you try to guess the names of the folks we’re talking about. It’s our lighthearted way of honoring friends we’ve met along the road, while also giving you a puzzle to chew on.

The first round was easy—Dave and Willie Rypma. Willie once told me that saying their last name was as simple as “Ryp my pants.” Can’t forget that one!

Next came Linda and Jeff. Their name was a bit more subtle, needing just a little mental nudge: Vent – Able… Venable. See how it works?

Some of you have caught on quickly. Others are still scratching their heads. Either way, it’s all in good fun—and it helps us share the joy of the people who’ve made our journey richer.

Stay tuned for the next clue. Who knows? You might be the next name in the game.

Our journey on Friday, took us to the Chain O'Lakes State Park.

Friday’s Journey: Chain O’Lakes State Park

Our Friday travels brought us to Chain O’Lakes State Park—a true gem in northeast Illinois. Nestled across both McHenry and Lake counties, this park is the heart of a water lover’s paradise, boasting nearly 6,500 acres of interconnected lakes and a remarkable 488 miles of shoreline.

Chain O’Lakes became a state park in 1945 when Illinois made its first land purchase of 840 acres. Since then, it has grown into a well-loved destination for campers, boaters, and nature seekers alike.

The park offers three distinct campgrounds: one for tent and small trailer dry camping, and another section designed for larger rigs like our Class A, with 30/50 amp service and water hookups. Outside of holiday weekends, it’s surprisingly easy to snag a site—either by reservation or even a walk-in. 

Our Travels on Friday June 20th

Stay Tune for more in What's in a Name

Safe Travel and Journeys

DaGirls Rv & Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

Back to What's in a Name (and a Little Less Venting)

 Well, here we are again, still soaking up the lakeside vibes at Dana's and Tom's Lake House – or as we affectionately call it, the Lake House, nestled on the serene Fox Lake. And speaking of names, it seems I'm stuck in a bit of a linguistic pickle, thanks to Susan.

Now, I don't want to be seen as lamenting, or heaven forbid, venting, but Susan has laid down the law. No more "venting," even if we're perfectly able to. Apparently, we now have to "lament." Which, honestly, doesn't sound quite as cathartic, but I suppose it has a certain old-world charm, doesn't it? Though, if we're being honest, I'm still quite able to vent, and sometimes, a good vent is just what the doctor ordered.

But here's the kicker: I can still vent. And why, you ask? Because I'm able to, for starters! And perhaps more importantly, very few of you seem to be playing along with my little game of "What's in a Name"! This is your golden opportunity to dust off those brain cells and join the fun. Let's get those gears turning!

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Gus's Much-Needed TLC

So, while Susan's busy rebranding our emotional outlets, what have I been up to, you might wonder? A whole lot of overdue maintenance on Gus, AKA the bus. You know how it goes – those nagging small repairs that you just keep putting off? Yeah, those.

For instance, I've been tackling the grab bars. During Gus's original construction days, someone decided self-tapping screws were a perfectly acceptable substitute for a proper drill and tap. Let's just say I now own a tap and die set, and I'm meticulously redoing all those mounting holes to ensure a truly tight fit. No more wobbly grab bars for Gus! Including the hinge plates for the entry door. 

Beyond that, I've been immersed in a flurry of rewiring projects. This isn't just about getting things to work; it's about cleaning up the messy bits and, crucially, installing chafe material and tubing to protect the wires from fraying. Because nobody wants an electrical headache down the road, especially not on the bus.

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So, there you have it. A bit of a linguistic update from the Lake House, a peek into Gus's ongoing transformation, and a gentle nudge to get those "What's in a Name" gears turning.

Are you more of a "venter" or a "lamenter"? And seriously, what names have you been pondering lately?

I did forget, one of you was Venting in your comments. 

I Quote " What No Lake Pictures" ?

Now for some of you I am expecting you to lament in your comments. Especially Venting about What' sin a name. 

So, check our our route as we head to Gillette, Wy. You can click on the map ( the "Broken Square" upped right of the map to enlarge it, and then click on the Legend Icon. 

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv, Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

Moving - and What's in a Name

Moving to the Lake: Dana and Tom’s Big Transition

Our travel plans just arrived, leading us to Dana and Tom’s stunning new lake house! Nestled on a canal of Fox Lake, this home is already feeling like a fresh start. The plan is to eventually move here full-time, closing the southern house and settling into lake life.

Since purchasing the home, Dana and Tom have made remarkable progress with remodeling. Though we weren’t around for the demo and rebuild phases, we’re lucky they installed a 50-amp service—a handy addition for future needs! Of course, there are still a few finishing touches in progress, but the major work is done.

As we settle in, I’ve already jumped into the lake lifestyle—starting with installing a receiver hitch on the Honda. After all, living on the lake practically requires a boat. And not just any boat! For some, it’s all about relaxing on a fishing boat. But for others, speed is the name of the game—a jetboat slicing through the water in pure exhilaration.

And speaking of lake life adjustments, I had a moment of fashion contemplation. It’s one thing when I accidentally rip-my-pants, but buying pre-ripped ones? That’s an entirely different choice! When I tear my pants unintentionally, I always get the look—that classic “What-Did-You-Do-This-Time” stare from everyone around me. You too, may have gotten that same look, when you state, I Rip-My-Pants.

Lake life, fresh beginnings, and fashion dilemmas—this move is shaping up to be an adventure! Did you read where they installed a 50-amp service? During renovation, Susan asked if it was possible. Not only that, but could they locate the clean out for the sewer. What more do we Rver’s need.

Oh, did you catch the Play What's in a Name ?

If you did, who is it?

Stay Safe and Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv & Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

Travel Day 7, End of Part 1.

 Bandera to Springfield: A Journey Through New Roads and Familiar Memories

We departed from Bandera, heading toward Dallas, with our first stop at the rest area just east of Kerrville on Interstate 10—a familiar stretch to start the day. From there, we transitioned onto US 87 North, passing through the scenic Fredericksburg area. In Fredericksburg, we turned right onto US 290 East, then continued north on US 281.

This route took us through Lampasas, a town we hadn’t visited before. From there, we made our way to Belton, where we joined Interstate 35 North for the final stretch into Dallas. This was our first time traveling this particular combination of roads, especially the Fredericksburg–Lampasas–Belton segment, and we were pleasantly surprised by the fresh scenery and smooth flow. The variations in Texas landscapes and the small-town charm along the way always stand in stark contrast to the hustle of big-city driving.

Driving through Dallas required not only skill but patience. Thankfully, the generosity of fellow drivers helped tremendously as we merged into and out of traffic.

Our time in Dallas was meaningful, especially visiting Sebastian—but you already know that.

On June 1st, we packed up and headed north toward Joplin, Missouri, with our destination being the Downstream Casino, where each person is allowed one free night of RV parking. As we departed, a severe thunderstorm rolled in over northern Dallas. With high winds and torrential rain, we were forced to reduce our speed to 55 mph, and at times even 45 mph. Eventually, we outran the worst of the storm and continued safely.

We spent that night resting and reminiscing about past visits to Joplin—especially the year we followed Route 66 from Arizona all the way to Joplin. So many great memories tied to that historic highway.

On Monday, we departed Joplin with our next goal being Springfield, Illinois, where we stayed at the Illinois State Fairgrounds for just $30 a night.

As we left Joplin, we realized that we’d be traveling on new-to-us roads once again. We had never taken Interstate 44 through St. Louis or Interstate 55 north to Springfield. Aside from some construction and rough patches, the drive went smoothly with a few planned stops. It turned out to be another successful leg of our journey.

Just some of the places we saw as we traveled through Saint Louis, MO.

Our arrival at the Fairgrounds iin Springfield, IL

Safe Travels and Journeys

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Rv & Gus the Bus

P.S. have no Fear, What's in a Name will return with the Next Name.